Autoblog

Click image for a high-res gallery of the new Golf GTI Pirelli

With all the excitement surrounding Volkswagen's and Audi's Wörthersee debuts of the GTI W12 650 and Audi TT clubsport concepts, it's probably worth pointing out that VW actually pulled the wraps off a car that people (European people, specifically) are actually gonna be able to buy.

That car is the VW Golf GTI Pirelli, which was made in conjunction with the Italian tire manufacturer. The original Pirelli GTI appeared back in 1983, with its signature wheels incorporating the "P" cutouts along the rim, and the car unveiled yesterday is its spiritual successor.

Like the GTI Edition 30, the Pirelli is prepared by Volkswagen Individual and is powered by the 230-horsepower version of the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder. Bespoke touches include an embossed tread pattern on the microfiber-covered primary seating surfaces, contrast stitching on the leather trim adorning the seats, steering wheel, and shift boot, Pirelli badging, and exclusive rolling stock. In addition, the Sunflower finish seen above is exclusive to the Pirelli.

Our favorite touch has to be the design of the GTI's P-Zero-shod 18" wheels. Each of the five spokes is actually an exaggerated letter "P" as seen in Pirelli's logo. The Pirelli GTI goes into production this September and will be patrolling European roads in the Fall.

UPDATE: VW released a couple of live shots from Wörthersee, which have been added to the gallery. We also added a close-up of the wheel design.

[Source: Volkswagen]